A Well-Traveled Guide To Seattle: The Very Best Hotels, Restaurants & Packing List

Indeed, the Emerald City offers an urban escape for anyone looking to capture the majesty of Cascadia.

From mountainous lodges, waterfront city escapes, and trendy downtown offerings, there's a place to stay for every traveler type.

Yes, Seattle can act as a gateway to the great outdoors, but it's also famously an arts and culture hub. This mid-century modern boutique hotel captures Seattle's appreciation for modern art and flair for casual sophistication and still highlights the city's stunning natural beauty. (Floor-to-ceiling windows offer the most breathtaking views.) While there, beauty enthusiasts must check out the renowned spa; it offers Biologique Recherche facials, noninvasive facial rejuvenation, full-body treatments, and so much more.

It's truly impressive how this hotel seamlessly blends together coastal lodging aesthetics, cityscapes, and views of both the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. It's the best of Seattle aesthetics all mixed into one home away from home. But that's not all: Over the years, it has hosted scores of musical legends, including the Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder, and the Beatles (who fished in the Puget Sound out of their suite's window). 

For those who prefer towering evergreens over skyscrapers, drive 30 minutes east of the city to this decadent lodge that sits atop Snoqualmie Falls. (The 268-foot waterfall is one of the state's best attractions.) The hotel will give you easy access to some of the best sightseeing Washington has to offer, in addition to a well-rounded spa and loads of eco-friendly and adventurous attractions. We're partial to the hotel's commitment to preserving the state's bee population through their in-house beekeeping program. 

There's so much to explore in and around Seattle: 

You can't visit Seattle without swinging by the (arguably) world's best farmers market. Pike Place Public Market Center fits in restaurants, local craft vendors, artisans, retail shops, eateries, special food markets, and, yes, that famous farmers market—where you can find the best of the upper Northwest. Be sure to check out the programs and events calendar prior to your visit; they often host shows and special festivals. 

The beauty of the Olympic Peninsula and the Olympic National Park must be seen to be believed. It's roughly a two-hour drive from downtown but worth it for a day trip. Hike the lush Hoh Rain Forest, which is dense with biodiversity, babbling waterfalls, and beautiful, mossy scenery. Visit the Dungeness Spit in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which is the longest natural sand spit in the United States. Walk along the National Park's 73-mile rugged coastline, which is as picturesque as it comes. There are many routes to explore, and you can't go wrong with any of them. 

Chihuly Garden and Glass is a stunning long-term exhibition located downtown in the Seattle Center, which was once the home of the World's Fair and now serves as a civic hub where arts, education, and community collide. This exhibition features the work of Dale Chihuly, whose primary medium was glasswork. It's made up of eight galleries, the garden, and the centerpiece that is the glasshouse. The garden is particularly spectacular for nature enthusiasts, as it blends together striking glass sculptures among a lavish botanical garden.

While the Olympic National Park tends to garner all the attention of the area, this city park is just as delightful a way to spend the day (especially if you don't have time in your trip to make it to the national park). Discovery Park has 500-plus acres of walking trails, views of the Puget Sound, coastal bluffs and beaches, active sand dunes, and evergreen forests. 

Relive the magic of quintessential '90s grunge by stopping by a local music venue. (Moving to live music is a great workout, mind you.) There are several local favorite spots to pick from. Tractor Tavern offers indie, bluegrass, and folk. The Triple Door offers a broad selection of entertainment—and a seated dinner with food from their sister restaurant (which offers fresh Asian fusion food complete with vegetarian and gluten-free options). The most legendary is the Showbox, where you'll find loads of up-and-coming acts.

The Northwest Pacific coast is known for prioritizing fresh, organic fish and farm-to-table ingredients. 

The last paragraph of Lewis Carroll's poem "The Walrus & The Carpenter" reads, "O Oysters,' said the Carpenter, you've had a pleasant run...they'd eaten every one." And if you visit this sunny, oh-so-welcoming oyster bar, we'd wager you, too, will be tempted to eat every last one yourself. The restaurant is helmed by James Beard Award winners Renee Erickson, Jeremy Price, and Chad Dale. Their exquisite taste shines through the casual setting. Sit, laugh, and enjoy the fresh oysters and side dishes.

This vegan restaurant specializes in elevated bistro fare that's absolutely mouthwatering. While the restaurant is the main event, there's also a "chopped"-style salad outpost, catering services, ice cream, and a pantry at City Centre. The visionary behind the expanding Plum empire is celebrated and lifelong vegan chef Makini Howell, who is beloved not just for her incredible palate but her commitment to community. 

The name means "earth to plate," which is exactly what you'll find here. The seasonal menu uses fresh, organic produce from sustainable farmers to inspire creative, yet comforting dishes. (They also offer a variety of meats and fish.) Finally, the restaurant has also partnered with the Food Is Love Project to make meals for those in need—you can contribute should you be able to. (For example, $50 will prepare meals for three to five people.)

The best things to bring on your journey.

From music and coffee to mossy forests and idyllic coasts, this Northwest Pacific city has it all. Be sure your visit is an equal blend of exploring the city's rich culture and the equally rich great outdoors.